Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved a major overhaul of Pakistan’s agricultural research system, with increased use of artificial intelligence, modern technology, and research institutions to improve farm productivity.
The prime minister approved a new master plan for the National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC) during a meeting on agricultural reforms on August 22 and directed authorities to implement it as soon as possible.
AI for Crops and Pest Detection
The government is also expanding the use of AI and other technologies in agriculture.
Officials briefed the meeting on an AI-based application for identifying plants and pests, a SUPARCO-backed crop assessment programme and the Pakistan Tobacco Board Automation Project. Several short-term technology initiatives have already entered implementation.
Shehbaz also ordered the development of a comprehensive national system for estimating crop production and directed certified companies to ensure farmers receive quality seeds.
The government said increasing per-acre productivity for small and medium-scale farmers remains a key priority.
NARC to Get Major Overhaul
Under the new master plan, NARC will be divided into seven districts to bring the research centre in line with international requirements.
The revamped facility will include five Centres of Excellence, reference laboratories, a biorepository and new research centres.
Plans also include a research park for the private sector, a Centre for International Cooperation, a Living Laboratory and a Public Discovery Park.
The prime minister also directed authorities to make NARC and the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council more effective and align their research activities with international standards.
More Financing and Support for Farmers
Implementation of the Agriculture Innovation and Growth Plan 2026-27 is also being accelerated.
Its measures cover agricultural machinery, modern technology, digitalisation, research, capacity building, food security and financing.
Specific initiatives include Kisan Ghar refinance, crop insurance, electronic warehouse receipt financing, farm machinery financing and the Prime Minister’s National District Development Programme.
Pakistan is also developing cotton and date clusters in Balochistan as pilot areas for organic farming while working on national organic standards, group certification and a digital traceability system.
The government plans to connect research and certification with storage, processing and international markets to increase farmers’ incomes and agricultural exports.
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